Around 120 invited guests from politics, science, industry, and the investment community celebrated the opening of MAxL. Its offerings focus on the early stages of company formation in science and research. Spanning approximately 900 square meters in the Biotechnology Innovation and Start-up Center (IZB), MAxL aims to set new standards for the biotechnology industry in Bavaria. The Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs is funding the incubator with €8.5 million.
The early-stage incubator is specifically geared toward supporting pre-seed and early-stage startup teams in the life sciences and healthtech sectors. With a comprehensive support program and a network of experienced industry and financial experts, MAxL aims to successfully bring their ideas to market maturity. Pre-seed teams can use MAxL's facilities for a maximum of three years, while early-stage startups can stay for up to two years. The first startups have already moved in. The incubator's offerings also include intensive support for interdisciplinary collaboration, which is considered key to success in biotechnology.
"With the opening of our startup incubator MAxL, we are setting a significant milestone in the promotion of innovative ideas and young companies in the life sciences and medicine. We are proud to accompany the next generation of biotech pioneers on their journey and thus actively shape the future of medicine,"
explained Prof. Dr. Ralf Huss, Managing Director of BioM.
MAxL offers state-of-the-art laboratory and communication rooms
Dr. Petra Burgstaller, Incubation & MAxL Co-Lead at BioM, emphasizes:
"Our incubator creates optimal conditions for aspiring founders in the life sciences and health tech sectors. With state-of-the-art laboratories and inspiring co-working spaces, we offer the ideal environment for realizing visionary ideas."
Within eight months, the existing laboratory space was equipped with state-of-the-art technical infrastructure. The laboratory area offers 18 immediately usable laboratory workstations, a fully equipped shared laboratory, and a cell culture area. The shared spaces were converted into bright, modern offices and communication areas. The design of the areas is intended to create a creative and productive work environment.
Partnerships with industry and investors
MAxL also relies on close collaboration between government, biotechnology, academia, investors, and industry. Strategic collaborations between MAxL and Big Pharma, biotech, CROs, investors, and other industry partners provide startups with access to additional offerings. Global companies Wuxi Biologics and Merck have already joined the program, providing expertise in the discovery, development, and manufacturing of biological active ingredients from the concept phase to commercialization. Device and reagent manufacturer Promega also contributes expertise and access to state-of-the-art instruments. Additional partners are expected to follow soon.
All information about the new incubator and its programs can be found on the MAxL website.
